Russia has successfully tested nuclear-powered cruise missile ‘Burevestnik’, whose range is said to be around 14,000 km and can penetrate any defense system. Putin has announced its early deployment.
Russia Test Burevestnik Missile: Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin said on Sunday, October 26 that Russia has successfully tested a new nuclear missile ‘Burevestnik’. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, all tests of this missile have been completed. Burevestnik is the only missile in the world powered by atomic energy, which has unlimited range. It will be interesting to see what America’s stance might be after this test conducted by Russia.
‘Burevestnik’ will soon be deployed in the Russian Army
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that this missile will soon be included in the Russian army. According to reports, Putin is seen meeting Russia’s Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov in a video released by the Kremlin, the Russian Parliament, after the testing.
The range of Burevestnik is 14000 KM
Russia’s Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, while briefing President Putin about the testing, said that the Burevestnik missile covered a distance of 14,000 kilometers (8700 miles) during the test. He told that this missile spent 15 hours in the air and there is no further limit on it. This missile runs on nuclear energy and can penetrate any missile defense system.
Features of Burevestnik missile
The 9M730 Burevestnik missile is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. This missile is also known as “Storm Petrel” and NATO calls it SSC-X-9 Skyfall. The nuclear propulsion of this missile enables it to fly longer and farther than traditional turbojet or turbofan engines. The greater time and distance allow the missile to hover in the air for a longer period of time before reaching the target.
Burevestnik missile can remain in the air for several days
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, this missile can remain in the air for several days. In a 2019 report, the organization had said that this missile is capable of dropping its nuclear weapons at places which are difficult to predict.
Why can’t radar detect Burevestnik missile?
Citing a Russian military magazine in 2021, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said the Burevestnik would have an estimated range of up to 20,000 kilometers and could strike targets anywhere from Russia to the United States. Its estimated height is only 50 to 100 meters, making it extremely difficult for air defense radar to detect.